Chuck, you missed one other option, a two bladed geared folding prop, like the Flex-o-fold or Gori. With the Flex, you get a little less sailing performance (it only folds to a width of about an inch but the hub is that large, so this may be a non-issue) but it has blades with more curve than a Martec and they have more area out toward the end, so the powering performance is better and because the blades are geared together, it folds and unfolds as a unit.
Advantages: you don't have to align the shaft to assure it will fold - a non-geared unit may have a blade hanging down if the prop is stopped in the horizontal position - a geared one always has a blade which wants to fold and bring the other one with it; it unfolds easier in reverse, so is more reliable in emergencies; and should be available for about $1000 (it has been years since I bought mine, and I don't know current prices). My $.02 Gary ----- Original Message ----- From: Chuck S To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 11:41 PM Subject: Re: Stus-List Prop Question I bought a sailboat to sail. If I wanted a powerboat, I'd buy a bass boat or a ski boat or a fishing boat or a house boat. I choose what's best for sailing and bought a MaxProp in 2007. Personal choice is what it's all about. The cost differences are very different as is performance. I changed from a Martec eliptic folding prop to a two blade MaxProp and love it. Roughly: A fixed 3 blade prop will cost $600; this is the slowest sailing prop but best powering forward and reverse. 2 blade Martec folding prop will cost $1500; this is the fastest sailing prop but least power w motoring against the wind and very little stopping power. 2 blade feathering prop like a MaxProp will cost $2000; next fastest sailing w great power motoring forward and reverse. Maybe 95% of a fixed prop. 3 blade feathering prop like a MaxProp will cost $3000; third fastest sailing w greatest power motoring forward and reverse, same as fixed prop, best for distance cruising. Chuck Resolute 1990 C&C 34R Atlantic City, NJ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ From: "Brian Morrison" <brianm...@hotmail.com> To: cnc-list@cnc-list.com Sent: Monday, January 13, 2014 10:44:48 PM Subject: Stus-List Prop Question Hello List, I have a 1979 C&C 34 with the original 2 blade martec folding prop. While at the yard today a friend suggested changing the prop to a fixed three blade for greater propulsion. The previous owner was a racer and I am more of a cruiser. My friend suggested that the 3 blade drag would be negligible but power would be much greater. Any thoughts or recommendations on prop replacement would be appreciated. Brian Brian C. Morrison S/V Rekofa, The Blue Whale 1979 C&C 34 Baltimore, MD _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ This List is provided by the C&C Photo Album http://www.cncphotoalbum.com CnC-List@cnc-list.com
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